Replacing the Evaporator Fan in Your Fridge

Replacing the evaporator fan in your fridge is a very simple process that could save you money in the long run. Without the evaporator fan, the refrigerator will not work properly and your food may spoil. So, instead of wasting money on new food and a whole new fridge, you could simply replace a much needed fan.

Knowing When to Replace

The first sign that there may be a problem with the evaporator fan is that your fridge or freezer may not be cooling as efficiently as it once did. However, to ensure that the fan really is at fault, first check other factors—make sure the thermostat settings are in the proper order and that nothing obstructs the flow of cold air in the freezer or fridge. 

First, remove the back panel that is physically inside the freezer and unscrew its housing, or frame. Then, remove the leads from the fan itself. Now, probe the two terminals to RX1 with a VOM set—a reading of more than 50 ohms suggests that the evaporator fan is working just fine. However, if the probe reads anything less than 50 ohms or an infinity symbol, then the fan needs to be replaced.

Prepping

Before getting started, unplug the fridge for safety’s sake to avoid any potential electrical hazards. Next, remove as much contents from your freezer, not only because the evaporator fan should be at the back of the freezer and you will need to reach all the way at the end, but because you will need room to work in. Contents include not only food, but shelves, ice maker/s, etc.

The first step is taking the fan off, which may need some unscrewing or depressing retainer clips with a small to medium screwdriver. Next, remove any further screws as necessary, which may be holding the fan housing or even the fan itself, so that you can access the fan’s wiring. Often, there may be two screws securing the mounting bracket in place. If it is too difficult to access the mounting bracket, then removing the entire rear panel may make things easier.

Getting Started

Note that the fan is connected by two or three wires—label or write a title down on a paper to remember their order before disconnecting. Then, pull off the slip-on connectors that connect the wires to the fan, but not by pulling on the wires themselves. You may need to use needle-nose pliers to remove the connector off of the fan’s terminal and its connectors. Check for corrosion. If it is present, you would then need to replace the wires.

Next, remove the fan blade from the old motor, and place them on the replacement motor. Hold the blade in place with a spring or a “C” clip. Then test to see if the blade can spin freely.